Cuda Upper Cowl Black Paint

[terrywalker]

I was at a car show this past weekend and there were two Hemi Cudas at the show that I had never seen before. One was a 1970 and the other was a 1971. Both had the upper cowls around the vent screens painted black. Was this standard for both years?
I can't remember if I had seen it before for both years and my 71 Challengers did not have the upper cowls painted black. Thanks for any info.
Terry W.

 

[NixDad]

Black cowl paint was phased out towards the latter part of the 70 model year.
During the 70 model year it was not intended to be used on 'dark' color cars (black, B& blue, etc), although it was Chrysler and strange things happen.
I have not seen 71's with a black cowl. I would presume someone thought it was correct and added it...

 

[terrywalker]

The 71 was EL5 or what I call butterscotch. Thanks.
Terry W.

 

[Xcudame]

I agree with NixDad. 70 only has the cowl painted black on non dark paint. Someone over restored the 71. See also below:

 

[MoparCarGuy]

1970 - Cowl is blacked out from AUGUST 1969 thru the end of APRIL 1970. Blackout went away on 4/27/70 as the T/A-AAR run was wrapping up.
The top line shows 00309-902 F COWL TOP BLACKOUT REMOVED 4/27/70. Both MODELS F = 1970 and G = 1971 / B = Barracuda and J = Challenger.
Note the 90623-956 C instruction shows "BLUE & GREEN ADDED TO OMISSION PAINT NOTE" and is dated 7/31/69. That added EB7 & EF8 to TX9 Black for omitting the cowl blackout on the darker colors.
It is not uncommon to find blackout on the blue & green cars by mistake
1971 - No cowl blackout.

 

[MoparCarGuy]

Additional info on cowl blackout HERE.